Unchecked vehicle issues linked to rise in road accidents, say experts
While human behaviour, road design and infrastructure play significant roles, one factor squarely within the control of motorists is the condition of their vehicles.
In a statement, Sirim Qas said timely maintenance is crucial, especially essential tasks like changing engine oil, can make a significant difference in ensuring vehicle safety and performance.
"Engine oil plays a vital role in lubricating internal engine components, reducing friction, and helping prevent overheating. Additionally, clean engine oil aids in preventing rust, lowering emissions, improving fuel efficiency, and protecting against early engine failure.
"When engine oil is not changed on time, its effectiveness diminishes, leading to increased wear and tear on your engine, which, over time, can compromise the car's overall performance and even contribute to accidents," the company said.
When your car speaks, listen closely
Sirim further urged motorists to pay attention to the signals their vehicles provide. Loud engine noises, reduced fuel efficiency and dashboard oil service notices are common indicators that it's time for an oil change.
"When your car sounds louder or guzzles more fuel, it's telling you something. Ignoring these signs can lead to costly repairs or worse, put you at risk while driving," Sirim said.
According to Sirim, neglecting oil maintenance can cause sludge buildup, corrosion and overheating, ultimately resulting in engine failure.
"If you find yourself visiting the petrol station more often than usual, it could be a sign that the consistency of your engine oil has degraded, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel.
"In addition, the appearance of an oil service notice on your dashboard is a direct message from your vehicle that it is time for maintenance," the company added.
Rising awareness and proactive measures
Sirim further said vehicle maintenance in Malaysia has seen a positive shift, with the maintenance and repair sector generating RM31.8 billion in 2024, accounting for 10.6 per cent of the motor vehicle sub-sector's performance. However, experts caution that negligence still contributes to preventable accidents.
"It is safe to say Malaysians have been taking precautions, as vehicle negligence due to poor maintenance practices only adds to the risk. It is far more cost-effective and safer to address minor issues early than to deal with major repairs or, worse, a preventable accident," the company said.
Another growing concern is the rise of counterfeit engine oils, which can lead to poor lubrication, higher emissions, and faster engine wear.
To address this, Sirim Qas International has introduced its Certification Scheme for Genuine Product (Engine Oil for Motor Vehicles).
The scheme ensures that certified engine oils meet stringent international standards and are verified for authenticity.
Consumers can check products through the Sirim Qas Mobile App by scanning QR codes or looking for certified tamper-evident labels.
"Being a smart consumer means taking simple but crucial steps such as verifying product certification before an oil change or asking your workshop for proof of authenticity. These proactive measures not only protect your vehicle's engine performance but also ensure safety on the road.
'With counterfeit products in the market, verification is crucial. Our certification and mobile app empower drivers to make informed decisions and ensure the oil they use is safe and reliable.
"This certification ensures that engine oils meet stringent international standards for performance and authenticity, giving consumers confidence in the products they purchase," the company said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
16 hours ago
- The Star
Touch ‘n Go, Proton partner to roll out pre-fitted RFID in new X50
KUALA LUMPUR: Touch 'n Go Sdn Bhd and Proton have partnered to integrate Touch 'n Go RFID technology into the new Proton X50, marking a milestone in Malaysia's connected mobility ecosystem. Under the agreement, every new Proton X50 will be pre-fitted with a Touch 'n Go RFID tag at the production line, enabling seamless access to Malaysia's extensive RFID-enabled highway network. In a joint statement, the companies said the initiative underscores their commitment to providing smarter and more convenient driving experiences for Malaysians. 'It's about instant gratification. You drive your new Proton X50 off the showroom floor with RFID already installed, just like that. This is not just about smarter mobility; it's about bringing real value and delight into everyday journeys,' Touch 'n Go chief executive officer Prabakaran Sangarajoo said. He noted that the partnership between the two homegrown Malaysian companies showcases the potential of local champions working together. 'It's a move driven by purpose to create more seamless experiences for the people we serve, and to make everyday mobility feel easier, faster, and more intuitive. Touch 'n Go is proud to co-create this milestone with Proton for Malaysians, by Malaysians.' Meanwhile, Proton Edar deputy CEO Zhang Qiang said the Proton X50 has been the company's star product in its SUV range, with more than 140,000 units produced to date at the Tanjong Malim plant. 'With the launch of the all-new Proton X50, we have taken a quantum leap forward to improve the purchase value for customers by offering a new design and new technologies while keeping the price unchanged. 'By partnering with Touch 'n Go, Proton is adding another new feature that fits perfectly with the model tagline of Intelligence That Amazes,' Zhang said. Aside from the Proton X50, the partnership between the two companies could be extended to other models in Proton's line-up, offering buyers the same seamless driving experience.
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Turn every stop into a rewarding ride
PETRONAS Dagangan Bhd launches 'Ganjaran Lebih Bermakna' campaign at over 1,000 stations nationwide EVERY journey deserves a little extra – and PETRONAS Dagangan Bhd (PDB) is making that happen with its 2025 campaign, 'Ganjaran Lebih Bermakna.' From daily commutes to weekend drives, this nationwide initiative rewards Malaysians in meaningful ways, turning ordinary fuel stops into moments of joy. Spearheaded by PDB, the principal marketing arm of Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS), the campaign reflects the group's commitment to value, convenience and innovation at over 1,000 fuel stations nationwide. Running from June 1 to Aug 31, the campaign is more than a contest – it's a celebration of loyalty and everyday resilience, giving Malaysians a chance to win big while going about their regular routines, like fuelling up. 'We aim to deliver not just fuel, but a complete experience – powered by digital innovation and customer-centric thinking. This is part of our promise to make everyday life simpler and better for our customers,' said PDB chief operating officer Azureen Azita Abdullah. 'Ganjaran Lebih Bermakna is part of our ongoing effort to create value for all road users, whether they are long-time customers or new to PETRONAS. Staying true to our cultural belief of being Customer Focused, we continue to deliver solutions through the lens of those we serve.' Whether you're navigating morning traffic or planning a weekend getaway, every stop at a PETRONAS station could now bring you closer to two years of free fuel, Mesra Rewards points worth up to RM3,000, or instant vouchers up to RM20. With over 50,000 winners expected nationwide and a seamless, cardless experience via the Setel platform powering the campaign, PETRONAS is proving that simplicity, convenience and impactful rewards can truly go hand in hand. The First Prize winner earned 300,000 Mesra Rewards points after fueling with RM45 or more at a PETRONAS station. Customer empowerment PDB has long envisioned fuel stations as integrated retail hubs – places where convenience, rewards and customer experience are seamlessly integrated. That vision is now a reality, driven by Rakan Niaga who are committed to delivering service excellence nationwide. And with innovations like Setel and Mesra Rewards, PETRONAS is staying ahead of the curve in a fast-evolving fuel retail landscape. At the heart of this customer-first approach is Setel, a next-generation mobility platform designed to streamline fuelling and on-the-go services. What began as a digital payment solution has evolved into a comprehensive ecosystem. Motorists can now fuel up, pay, redeem points, access auto-assistance, pay for parking and even purchase motor insurance – all from a single app. With more than two million retail partners and features like Family Wallet and Scan & Earn, Setel is redefining convenience. Winning steps The 'Ganjaran Lebih Bermakna' campaign is open to all Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above who are members of the PETRONAS Mesra Rewards Loyalty Programme. Participation is also open to those who have not yet registered as Mesra members. They can simply join by entering their phone number at the pump or cashier. Once the phone number is entered for the first time, they will automatically be enrolled as a Mesra Rewards member – offering an alternative for those who prefer paying by cash or card at the fuel pump or cashier. To participate, customers must fuel up with PETRONAS Primax 95 with Pro-Drive or PETRONAS Primax 97 with Pro-Drive at any participating PETRONAS station. Car drivers who spend RM45 per transaction qualify for instant rewards of 1,000 Mesra Rewards points. Meanwhile, motorcyclists can join the campaign with just RM5 per transaction and will receive 300 Mesra Rewards points as instant rewards. This straightforward spending structure ensures that both four-wheeler and two-wheeler users can enjoy valuable rewards every time they refuel with PETRONAS Primax 95 or PETRONAS Primax 97. To be eligible for the Grand Prize or First Prize, customers must accumulate a minimum monthly spend of RM250 for car users or RM40 for motorcyclists within the same calendar month. By doing so, participants stand a chance to win two years of free fuel – worth RM6,000 for car users and RM1,200 for motorcyclists. Alternatively, they may be selected for the First Prize, which awards up to 300,000 Mesra Rewards points for car users (equivalent to RM3,000 in fuel redemptions), or 100,000 Mesra Rewards points (valued at RM1,000) for motorcyclists. Throughout the three-month period, PETRONAS will select 60 Grand Prize winners and 84 First Prize winners, along with over 50,000 Instant Reward winners. It's an unmatched opportunity to turn your regular refuelling routine into a rewarding experience – simply by choosing PETRONAS. And the rewards don't stop there. Customers who use a Visa card, including PETRONAS-Visa co-branded credit cards and maintain a monthly spend of RM250 for three consecutive months, qualify for the campaign's Secondary Mechanic. Here, 15 lucky winners will each receive travel vouchers worth RM20,000 – a dream getaway just from topping up your tank. Azureen (centre) is rewarding a motorcyclist, as part of the campaign – a nationwide initiative that celebrates customer loyalty with instant rewards, Mesra points and more at participating PETRONAS stations. Simplified fuelling Entries and redemptions are made smoother with the Setel app. Participants can fuel up using Setel or by keying in their registered mobile number at the pump or cashier. Physical Mesra cards, however, are not valid for contest entry – reflecting the campaign's emphasis on digital-first convenience. Setel also integrates smoothly with Mesra Rewards, enabling customers to earn and redeem points instantly. Whether you're a long-time Setel user or new to the platform, activating your Mesra Rewards account and creating a six-digit passcode lets you track your balance, manage redemptions and access all campaign rewards via the app or website. For those who prefer not to register through Setel, the process is just as simple – customers can key in their mobile number at the pump or cashier to earn points and participate in the campaign. No physical card is required and with a one-time verification via OTP, customers are automatically enrolled as Mesra members, making the journey to rewards both cardless and effortless, said the winners. An executive, Noorfarahana Zulkifle, shared that Setel has made it easier to track Mesra Rewards points, manage family fuel spending and simplify payments during journeys. 'Everything I need is now in one app – it's convenient, efficient and actually saves me time,' she said. Sustained value Rather than relying solely on promotions or discounts, PDB delivers real, lasting value – fuel that performs, technology that simplifies and a rewards system that gives back. The 'Ganjaran Lebih Bermakna' campaign is an extension of that momentum, combining business growth with meaningful public engagement. With 12 million Mesra Rewards points to be awarded and countless vouchers to be claimed, PETRONAS is set to prove that great journeys begin with great rewards. Every stop brings you closer – to free fuel, real rewards, exceptional customer service and simpler, better journeys. Winner selection All Grand Prize and First Prize winners will be selected via a computerised selection system, witnessed by an authorised internal auditor to ensure transparency and fairness. Shortlisted winners will be contacted by PETRONAS Mesralink for verification and must answer a simple question to confirm their eligibility before being declared as winners. Official notifications will also be sent via email and winners will be announced on the PETRONAS Brands social media channels and PDB's MyMesra website. Prizes will be fulfilled within 60 working days, either through virtual gift cards or Mesra Rewards point transfers. Become a Mesra Rewards member or register and use the Setel app when you fuel up at PETRONAS stations – with a minimum of RM45 for four-wheelers or RM5 for two-wheelers. For more info, visit contact Mesralink at 1-300-22-8888, or go to
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Maybank Islamic, Perodua offer 'flexible' vehicle ownership plan for Malaysians
KUALA LUMPUR: Maybank Islamic Bhd and Perodua have jointly introduced Malaysia's first Shariah-compliant agility financing plan, offering customers greater flexibility and accessibility in vehicle ownership. The Perodua Flexiplan, powered by Maybank Islamic myimpact Drive Financing-i, is the first collaboration of its kind for both companies. It features a Murabahah vehicle term financing arrangement, resulting in lower monthly payments over an initial five-year term. Under the scheme, customers can choose to trade in their Perodua vehicle at year five for a new model. Perodua is offering a buy-back price competitive with market value or opt to keep their existing vehicle under a revised payment plan for up to four more years. Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said the plan is available for four models: Myvi, Axia (excluding the Axia E), Ativa and Aruz. The collaboration is aimed at delivering a win-win solution for all parties involved "Today, both Perodua and Maybank Islamic broke new ground as we join forces to offer the best possible financing package which ensures everybody wins; Perodua, Maybank Islamic and especially, our valued customers," he said. "We believe that with the backing of Malaysia's biggest bank combined with the trust that we have earned from Malaysians, the Perodua Flexiplan will be well accepted." Maybank group CEO of community and financial services Syed Ahmad Taufik Albar said the financing plan reflects the bank's values-based approach to customer service. "Across the Maybank Group, we have always been committed to empowering our customers with flexible, transparent, inclusive, and sustainable financial solutions, and Maybank Islamic myimpact Drive Financing-i is a reflection of that," he said. The innovative approach to all Malaysians alongside Perodua, addresses the preferences of modern car buyers and empowers them with flexible ownership choices, he added. The plan integrates other Shariah-compliant offerings such as Perodua Total Protect Plus comprehensive takaful underwritten by Etiqa, which includes RM5,000 special peril coverage, and Credit Reducing Term Takaful for added protection. Both companies said the initiative not only enhances car ownership accessibility but also creates a convenient structure for customers to adapt their vehicle choices to different life stages, setting a new benchmark in Malaysia's automotive financing landscape.
